Places I haven't been that are on my list to hit before Dec 31, 2010

namesake LTH
Edzo's
Kuma's
Great Lake
Paradise Pup
Deta's

For me, there are still many. I'm trying, I'm trying but there are only so many hours-in-a-day, calories-in-a-diet, dollars-in-a-bank-account. Besides, I'm cursed with an obsessive need to cook on my own and with a SO who actually likes to go back again and again to the places she likes. But still the saddest omissions (not so much omissions, perhaps, but rather regrets) are those that are no longer there. (Tell me truly, I implore -/Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'/Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'). Prime examples: Le Perroquet and Le Francais. Sigh.

David Hammond wrote:

earthlydesire wrote:Great Lake (and it's in my hood!)

This is my sinful omission, as well...but GL is so far from me, and so close to you, that I humbly submit that your degree of sin is much more damnable than mine, amen.

David, I am shocked. It seems you have been absolutely everywhere before anyone else, it is jarring to think there is someplace so well regarded you haven't been!

There are so many places I have not been. Among those I most want to visit are Alinea (one of these days...), Floriole, Piccolo Sogno and Chalkboard.

Probably the one place I haven't been that I really want to go to is Burt's. But pizza is difficult because the Mrs. is not a big fan. I'll have to sneak out there sometime when she's working. Other omissions: Alinea, Katsu. Someday.

I have my list, too. I think so many here having listed so many places gets at the fact that there's something pleasurable about reading about places on LTH even if one never gets to them. It's almost like I read about some of the LTH favorites instead of going to them, as a fully satisfactory replacement for going to them.

riddlemay wrote:I have my list, too. I think so many here having listed so many places gets at the fact that there's something pleasurable about reading about places on LTH even if one never gets to them. It's almost like I read about some of the LTH favorites instead of going to them, as a fully satisfactory replacement for going to them.

Vicarious dining?

trpt2345 wrote:Vicarious dining?

Yes, and by extension, Vicarious Event-Attending. Looking forward to seeing all the pictures of the picnic.

I printed out the current GNR list and checked off the ones I've eaten an actual meal at and it's only 33 of 115. I must remedy this.

Yeah my list is too long to mention. I have been to Als, and Frontera, to Katy's Dumplings and to Mixteco and Glenn's Diner which have been mentioned here. Also Naf Naf, and Cedar Grill. I would love to visit the other places I heare about here but they are a way away and there is only so much time and money to do it. Would love to go to Alinea but it would be quite a splurge.

Not a GNR, but as a life-long resident of Mt. Greenwood (excluding college in Hyde Park), I had never been to Grant's Wonderburger until today--quite the sin of omission. It surprised me on all fronts. Two good, thin patties in an old-school style on a somewhat insubstantial bun, with nice beef juice dribbling about. I was worried when I saw Curly-Q fries--Arby's has scarred me for life--but these were good, and presumably house-made. Skinny, skin-on, and not very curly, they were thankfully seasoned only with salt, not some awful seasoned batter or other abomination. And it was cheap, too.

What might intrigue others more was today's special: a hot dog and a tamale, on a bun, topped with cheese and chili. I caught a strong whiff of cumin from a bowl as one was carried past me, and it appeared to be the finely-ground meat variety. I believe this concoction had a name, but it's slipped my mind. It was 4.50, however, including fries, IIRC.

Edited to clarify my sinfulness.

Since I cannot ever resist salty cured meat piled high on bread I am shocked that I have never been to Manny's.

mtgl wrote:What might intrigue others more was today's special: a hot dog and a tamale, on a bun, topped with cheese and chili. I caught a strong whiff of cumin from a bowl as one was carried past me, and it appeared to be the finely-ground meat variety. I believe this concoction had a name, but it's slipped my mind. It was 4.50, however, including fries, IIRC.

Grant's Wonderburger Grill
11045 S Kedzie Av
Chicago
773-238-7200

I have not been to any of the restaurants that got Michelin stars.

I hate to admit it, but I've never been to Avec. But now that it missed out on a star, maybe I'll be able to get in there.

You never cease to amaze, Rene G. Were you there today, or is this a common special? Have you eaten one?

mtgl wrote:You never cease to amaze, Rene G. Were you there today, or is this a common special? Have you eaten one?

No, I haven't been to Wonderburger for quite a while. The picture was taken in July 2009 so the Stanley must be offered frequently. As you might guess, it's named after a customer who orders it often. I haven't yet eaten a Stanley. In spite of my reputation, I'm not overly fond of tamales-in-buns but I'm curious about the presentation. Is it side-by-side tamale and hot dog or is the wiener embedded in a split tamale (like the Mighty Dog at Fat Johnnie's)? If you try one (or did you get a good look today?), please be sure to let us know.

I neither consumed nor glimpsed this beauty; I only managed to see/smell a bowl of straight chili. I have a friend who waited tables there for some years, though, and I'll ask her.